Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats

Analysis in middlegame situation is similar to what those in the corporate world call SWOT reports, which stand for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats. The difference in chess is that your opponent’s every move, decision and action are right there before you, all the time. Still, you must simultaneously analyse both positions (his and yours) before you can formulate and execute your strategy. You must also be aware of any immediate need for action. Do you need to put deeper strategic concerns on hold and respond to immediate danger? Can you create a threat that will force your opponent on the defensive and out of his game plan? If there aren’t any immediate tactical considerations, you can continue developing your strategy and pushing toward your intermediate objectives : the process you began in the opening.